Community Partner Grant Program

Overview

Commute.org is a government agency in San Mateo County with a mission to reduce vehicle miles traveled and solo driving trips to work by people who travel to/from the county for work. We do this through a variety of free programs, including shuttles to/from Caltrain, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), and the SF Bay Ferry; rewards for biking, carpooling, and vanpooling; and transit incentives. In 2023, the agency conducted outreach to priority audiences that have been less represented in our programs and the agency has now developed a pilot program to improve engagement with those audiences.

In addition to fostering increased involvement and awareness of Commute.org’s programs, the Community Partner Grant Program is designed to generate mutually beneficial outcomes. While the grant size is modest, its impact is envisioned to be meaningful for the diverse communities served by our Community Partners. Two-way interaction ensures that the benefits of transportation programs are effectively communicated as well as tailored to the specific needs of priority communities. Commute.org envisions a symbiotic relationship, where financial support catalyzes enhanced access to transportation services and benefits and fosters a deeper connection between our organization and the diverse audiences we aim to serve.

Grants were issued for FY 24-25 in July 2024 to three organizations: El Concilio of San Mateo County, Friends for Youth, and Climate Resilient Communities.

A group of people are seated in a semicircle in an outdoor setting, engaging in a discussion. Some are on chairs, others on benches surrounding a table with papers detailing outreach and next steps. An umbrella provides shade to the table. Houses and power lines are visible in the background.

The objective of this pilot grant program is to increase participation and input from communities currently underrepresented in Commute.org’s programs. Through this grant program, we hope to see sustained engagement with Community Partners that represent and serve these communities, thereby increasing awareness and use of our programs and services. The goal is to make new audiences aware of the transportation benefits and services available to people who live and work in San Mateo County.

To achieve this goal, Commute.org has created an outreach grant program for up to 5 Community Partner (non-profit) recipients. The types of engagement is determined through the application process, with organizations being compensated for their time and effort collaborating with us.

Grant recipients are asked to:

  • Provide accurate information about Commute.org’s programs and services to their community
  • Help enroll their constituents in Commute.org programs
  • Collaborate with Commute.org on the development and refinement of programs and services that best meet the needs of the community

Grantees are provided:

  • $5,000 grant
  • Outreach materials/marketing toolkit in relevant languages, including digital and print flyers, social media posts and graphics,
  • Presentations or tabling by Commute.org staff twice per year
  • Information on other relevant transportation benefit programs in the region
  • Exclusive raffles for Community Partner Grantees’ constituents
  • Commute.org swag/prizes for your audiences
  • Personalized STAR network for your organization/constituency

Grant Program Eligibility
All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or their fiscally sponsored projects, with an established track record of public outreach, communications, providing social services, or case management in San Mateo County are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Application Materials